St Eustatius Travel

St. Eustatius is an island area and the second smallest island belonging to the Dutch Caribbean. It is part of the Windward Islands and continues up to Saba and St. Maarten. Statia is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. St. Eustatius is the southernmost island of the Windward Islands, and has a total area of about 9.2 square miles.

St Eustatius, or “The Caribbean’s Hidden Treasure” is the jewel of the Caribbean. St Eustatius, Statia as it is commonly known, has dazzling reefs that are teeming with marine life, rusting ship wrecks vestiges of the Lower Town, part of the capital of Oranjestad, what is largely submerged. More than 100 sunken trading ships off the shores of Statia make this a diving mecca. However there are things to do above the water too: visitors can take a half-day hike to the 2,000 foot Quill National Park, a classically shaped volcano with a forest-filled crater.

Statia is 18 minutes by air from St. Maarten, and primarily a day-trip destination. Those who linger can appreciate the unspoiled island, its history, and its peacefulness. Think of this tiny Dutch Caribbean island for quiet times, strolls through history, and awesome diving and hiking. While many of its neighbors are pursuing the tourist business big-time, Statia is an island out of time, and that’s its charm. To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on the island of St Eustatius, visit here. Now view our St Eustatius Travel Guide to help plan your next St Eustatius vacation!

Historical Blue Glass Beads

A remarkable story is that of the blue beads, Statia’s local currency in the 17th century. The famous Dutch West India Company used these beads to trade in tobacco, cotton, rum, and slaves. To this very day, the beads reappear whenever a fierce storm stirs up the sand on the bottom of the sea and around the island. According to the legend you don’t find blue beads but the beads find you, and if you’re found, you will return to St. Eustatius again and again. Blue beads are the only artifacts that are allowed to leave the island.

St. Eustatius Weather – When to Visit

St Eustatius is a humid tropical island, with temperatures averaging 80°F throughout the year. There is little variation in the seasons, but temperatures never exceed 85°F. The most popular time to visit St Eustatius is during the dry season between December and April. Hotel prices do not fluctuate, so those vacationing between December and April, will find St Eustatius offers good value for money when other islands in the region tend to double their rates. Accommodations can get booked up towards the end of July when people flock to the island to celebrate the annual carnival, so booking a hotel well in advance is recommended during this time.

St Eustatius Attractions

Fort de Windt

Visit Fort de Windt, one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved forts, which served as a defensive structure from 1756 until it was abandoned in 1815. Take in picturesque views over the Caribbean Sea and St Kitts toward the southeast. As you stroll around the fort, find rusty cannons scattered about, as well as two cannons looking out over the water. Find a sundial and step back to the 18th century as you use it to tell the time.

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The Quill/Boven National Park

The Park was pronounced the first official national park of the Netherlands Antilles in 1998, making it a protected nature reserve. The park was created to protect unique biodiversity and ensure sustainable use by all stakeholders. This 3.4km2 park consists of the dormant volcano ‘The Quill’ and ‘White Wall’, the limestone formation located on the south side of the volcano. The park boundaries include the Quill slopes above 250m, the interior of the crater and White Wall down to sea level.

Fort Oranje

Soak up history and sweeping views from this extensively restored fort, a mighty citadel complete with cannons, triple bastions and cobblestone parade grounds. The current stone structure was built by the British in 1703, replacing the original wooden fort the French erected in 1629. It’s the best preserved of the 16 remaining defensive forts on the island and is where the first salute was fired in recognition of US independence on November 16, 1776, now commemorated as Statia Day.

St Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum

Visit the former headquarters of Lord George Rodney, a British admiral during the American Revolution. The completely restored house is Statia’s most important intact 18th-century dwelling. Comprehensive exhibits trace the island’s fascinating history from the pre-Columbian 6th century to the present. You can also buy books about the history of the island and a booklet with a self-guided walking tour, beginning in Lower Town at the marina and ending at the museum.

Lower Town Beach

This narrow strip of oyster-gray sand is an extraordinary place to snorkel in pristine waters among the ruins of 18th-century warehouses, now caked in coral and teeming with multicolored fish. The ruins comprise most of the former Lower Town, which had been built on sand behind a sea wall and over time sank into the water as hurricanes wreaked destruction.

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Things to Do in St Eustatius

Scubaqua Dive Center

Scubaqua Dive Center is located in St. Eustatius (Statia) in the Caribbean. Spectacular dives in a protected Marine Park with a personal touch. Telephone: 599-319-5450 Web: Scubaqua Dive Center.

Golden Rock Dive Center

Owner operated since 1994 Golden Rock Divers has a small dive shop feel with all the amenities you would expect from a world class dive destination without all the frills. Flexibility is their motto and adjusting to their customers needs and desires is how they can best ensure their satisfaction. Telephone: 599-319-2964 Web: Golden Rock Dive Center.

Virgin Island Sailing

The Virgin Islands are known for their calm, turquoise blue waters, endless sandy beaches, idyllic anchorages, laid-back island atmosphere and friendly people. Whether you want to enjoy the privacy of your own vessel as a romantic retreat or share your island adventure with family or a group of friends, a crewed all inclusive catamaran charter vacation from Virgin Island Sailing is the perfect way to spend a worry-free Caribbean vacation. Telephone: 1-800-382-9666 Web: Virgin Island Sailing.

Best St Eustatius Restaurants

Blue Bead Bar & Restaurant $11 – 30

This delightful little blue-and-yellow restaurant, a favorite with locals, is the perfect place to have lunch after scuba diving or to watch the sunset. It is one of those places where everyone talks to everyone. There are always daily specials; the menu includes pizza, burgers, seafood, and Italian and French food. But it’s closed between lunch and dinner (2–6). Telephone: 599-319-2873 Web: Blue Beard Bar & Restaurant.

Ocean View Terrace $11 – 30

In the courtyard overlooking Fort Oranje, this is a favorite of those who like to watch the sunset. It hasn’t changed over the years. Owner Lauris Redan serves sandwiches and burgers for lunch and a variety of local dishes—baked snapper with shrimp sauce, spicy chicken, tenderloin steak—at dinner. Try the local conch. As at many Statia restaurants, payment is cash only. Telephone: 599-318-2934 Web: Ocean View Terrace.

Franky’s Bar & Restaurant $11 – 30

There isn’t much more to this nondescript place than a bar, some tables, and a patio. But its goat dishes have made it well known. Every Saturday there is a barbecue and a DJ. The barbecue is a great deal—ribs, chicken, potatoes, satay rice, vegetables, and salad—all for $13. Telephone: 599-318-4948 Web: Franky’s Bar & Restaurant.

Golden Era Hotel Restaurant $11 – 30

West Indian, creole, and local fish specialties are on the menu at this waterfront terrace restaurant, where the sound of the Caribbean is always playing in the background. Telephone: 599-318-2445 Web: Golden Era Hotel Restaurant.

The Old Gin House $11 – 30

This bistro in the Old Gin House hotel serves a well-prepared selection of rotisserie chicken, grilled fish, lobster, steak, and pastas. The historic dining room borders a flower-filled courtyard, and dining even extends across the street to the relaxed, umbrella-shaded patio on the waterfront. Mango bavaroise and key lime crepes are specialty desserts. Telephone: 599-318-2319 Web: The Old Gin House.

Best St Eustatius Bars & Nightlife

Cool Corner Bar & Restaurant

The island’s oldest bar, this tiny but lively after-work and weekend hangout is across from the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum. You’ll find the cheapest prices for booze on the island and you’re guaranteed to make some new friends here. Foreigners who’ve lived on Statia leave their car number plates on the walls of this place before returning home. Telephone: 599-318-2523 Web: Cool Corner Bar & Restaurant.

Blue Bead Bar & Restaurant

This delightful little blue-and-yellow restaurant, a favorite with locals, is the perfect place to have lunch after scuba diving or to watch the sunset. It is one of those places where everyone talks to everyone. There are always daily specials; the menu includes pizza, burgers, seafood, and Italian and French food. But it’s closed between lunch and dinner (2–6). Telephone: 599-319-2873 Web: Blue Beard Bar & Restaurant.

Franky’s Bar & Restaurant

There isn’t much more to this nondescript place than a bar, some tables, and a patio. But its goat dishes have made it well known. Every Saturday there is a barbecue and a DJ. The barbecue is a great deal—ribs, chicken, potatoes, satay rice, vegetables, and salad—all for $13. Telephone: 599-318-4948 Telephone: Franky’s Bar & Restaurant.

Ocean View Terrace

Get the best sunset views in town. The menu lists everything from cheese burgers to a wide range of seafood dishes and carnivores will be pleased to know that this is the best place on the island to order a juicy slab of grilled Angus beef. On Fridays the place gets crowded with crooners who come for the weekly karaoke parties. Telephone: 599-318-2934 Web: Ocean View Terrace

The Old Gin House

Imagine if the 250 year old wall of the old Mooshay bay public house could speak… Inside the cozy bar the ambiance is overwhelming. You feel the richness of a history unsurpassed. Enjoy the classic cocktails or endeavor on the newer creations of the skilled bar staff. Look through the old books of Statia and talk to the locals and you will soon feel a blanket of warmth and happiness descent on you. Telephone: 599-318-2319 Web: The Old Gin House.

Best St Eustatius Hotels

Statia Lodge

Splendidly located on the south side of the Island, in a tropical garden with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. For your peace and convenience, Statia Lodge has just 8 Hibiscus bungalows for dual occupancy and 2 Bougainvilla bungalows for four people, great for families. Our beautiful fresh water swimming pool & club house overlook the ocean. Each well appointed bungalow has a private terrace with ocean view, bedroom with a fan and a fully equipped bathroom.

Statia-Apart/Little Paradise

The accommodations is air conditioned in t he bedroom and is equipped with a seating and dining area. All units include a kitchen equipped with an oven and microwave. Free coffee and tea is available in each apartment. A toaster and refrigerator are also offered, as well as a kettle.

Old Gin House

Beautifully located on Orange Bay, Lower Town, Oranjestad and a hike away from the Quill Volcano, the highest point on Statia with panoramic views over the entire island and neighboring islands, the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The intimate hotel convinces with its charming, elegant and cozy ambiance, where guests can find peace and pure relaxation without any unnecessary additions. The restaurant offers a diversified gastronomic experience accompanied by stunning ocean views.

Palm Spring Inn

The inn houses 11 spacious, private apartments, with your choice of one or two bedrooms. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, cable TV, washer & dryer, and WiFi. Enjoy balmy breezes from your balcony, with magnificent views of Sint Maarten, Saint Barthélemy and the Quill volcano. Air conditioning ensures the ideal indoor climate.

Orange Bay Hotel

Whether you’re planning a short business trip or long holiday, one of Orange Bay Hotel’s 8 modern and fully equipped rooms and private cabana will definitely suit your travel needs. The hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from the Caribbean Sea and in walking distance of restaurants, dive shops, historical sights and supermarkets. The front desk is located in restaurant Harbour Club Statia where breakfast (included in the room price) is served daily. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit Orange Bay Hotel.

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26 Comments

Selenity JadeJuly 31, 2019 at 12:18 am

Beautiful looking island! That said, I expect nothing less for islands in the Caribbean area. It’s also awesome that the islands don’t ever get too hot or too cold, so no matter when you visit, it’s excellent. (Well, if you can handle humidity, obviously). I’d be interested in scuba-diving along the Lower Town Beach and see the sunken houses! That would be amazing! Thanks for the article!

St Eustatius looks like a beautiful place! I actually have a good friend who visited here. She had such a great time, she keeps telling me I need to go. Perfect timing to find this post on St Eustatius. Great information and I hope that I will be able to get there sometime in the new year. Thank you again!

Your friend is right Angie, it is definitely a great place to go in the Caribbean. Off the beaten path, less crowded, yet so amazing. I hope you can make it there as planned. Thank you for visit St Eustatius Travel.

This is why I love your site, I hear and see about places I never knew existed. This looks like the perfect place to go exploring and to get away from it all. We love to travel to the Caribbean too and I’m definitely going to explore this gem of an island more. Beaches are great and I absolutely love that, but exploring and nature is also my kind of thing.

This place looks like paradise. What a beautiful Island St Eustatius is. I love how you are telling a story about island and all the fun things you can do once you get there
and I like the story of the blue beads and how they find you. When I am ready for the blue beads to come find me, I will be visiting here again, because you have all the information I need to take a beautiful vacation to St Eustatius in the Caribbean. You have saved me a lot of time! Thanks!

You are so welcome Alesia. I am glad you enjoyed reading about St Eustatius Travel. Yes, may the blue beads find you when you are there. It is a fascinating story, and it would be so cool to actually have some of those!

I really don’t believe you have to worry about The Quill erupting 🙂 The Quill has been active since its birth; but the last known eruption, as determined by carbon dating, occurred between 1,755 and 1,635 years before present. That was a long, long time ago and it is not filled with a forest of trees. And yes, it is most definitely a paradise for divers! Thanks for reading St Eustatius Travel!

This place looks AMAZING!! I’ve never heard of it and now I want to book a trip. It’s always great to unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern world. Every since I vacationed in Kauai, Hawaii; I now appreciate the beauty of less commercialized vacation destinations. St Eustatius looks like the perfect destination to relax and recharge. I’m super interested in Lower Town Beach. I am glad I found this information as you have made my planning much easier! Thank you for sharing!

It is amazing! You will really enjoy, and be able to relax and unwind in St Eustatius. When you are ready to book, please let me know, as I know I can help you get the best deals! Thanks for visiting St Eustatius Travel.

I’ve visited your website a couple times now and am stunned each and every time. The detail is fantastic and the recommendations are top notch! St Eustatius is a place I have been looking at visiting, because a good friend of mine has been there and told me that I “have” to go.

The best part is you covered a lot of places, so there are many options to choose from.

I’ve already shared this with some of my friends who are looking to take a vacation soon. My friend who as been there says your recommendations are spot on!

Great, I am glad you have enjoyed visiting my site, and you will be amazed by the beauty of St Eustatius. I am envious. Please let me know if I can help you with your travel plans in any way. Enjoy the St Eustatius beaches!

Great article! I’ve always had an interest in visiting the Caribbean, and you have made me want to go now! This sounds absolutely stunning. What really helped sway me was that you even went into detail regarding average temperatures. I don’t like hot weather (I know, crazy, right?). When I think of the Caribbean, I think “Tropics. Hot. No thanks!” But temps ranging from high 60’s to around 90? That’s more than tolerable, that’s amazing! I think I’ll bookmark this post for future reference. Thanks for such an in depth look.

You are so welcome, and yes, the weather is really tolerable and not super hot in most of the Caribbean Islands really. Yes, St Eustatius is stunning with a lot to offer besides just their beautiful beaches. I am glad you enjoyed reading! Thanks for visiting Nathan.

It is definitely going to be the marine life in the reef. The diving is world class here, and many go to St Eustatius just for diving and the reef. It’s a diver’s paradise for sure. Thanks for reading about St Eustatius Travel!

This is beautiful. I have been on your site before and you always take me away. I keep dreaming of which place I want to plan a vacation too, and you make that decision very tough! I will have to start saving and planning now for St Eustatius, it looks amazing! I always wanted to try scuba diving. This is definitely something and somewhere that I am going to make a reality for my next beach vacation. The videos and all the information, all paints a pictures and just calls my name to visit! I love it!

Yes, Ronnie that is my intention….to entice people to visit all of these wonderful places including St Eustatius! I want to share my passion for the beach, and the Caribbean with everyone looking for such a wonderful vacation destination. Thank you so much for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com

Oh my word. This looks absolutely amazing. I have been considering a Caribbean vacation and this definitely has me excited thinking it may be a place to visit one day.

Great info and very informative also. Looking at the original pic I would never have guessed there could possibly be so much going on.

It has definitely made my bucket list. I am ready to pack my bags and head to St. Eustatius! Glad I ran across your site. Gonna be hard actually, to just decide on St Eustatius, or one of your many other great destinations you talk about!

I am glad I enticed you Jean with my St Eustatius Travel post 🙂 There really are so many great places in the Caribbean you can visit, and St Eustatius is probably one of those islands that belong at the top of anyone’s bucket list.